Page 23 of Love Limits

Then they launched into Zhong’s arms.

Zhong caught them, their slight weight nothing as he lifted them off the floor.

He got a face full of down-filled polyester, but he wasn’t complaining. Well, maybe he could complain a little. You’re wearing a pillow. Is there even a person in there?

Ash smiled and tried to take it off, but they got tangled in the grocery bag at their wrist.

Amused, Zhong helped them pull off the other sleeve, liberate the bag, and slip it off. Coats don’t seem to be your forte, he commented lightly.

Only around you. Ash shrugged.

Zhong hung their coat on a hook and took a moment to appreciate their outfit. Today they were wearing a sailor suit, all white with clean lines and that floppy blue tie thing around their neck. It made him think of old movies, since he wasn’t even sure that the actual Navy had ever used that as a uniform. It was fun though, a little quirky and cute.

He was going to offer a compliment, but Ash was already signing a mile a minute. Your place is adorable! I love your windows. Do you mind if I eat this? They held up the grocery bag. I’m starving. I think I forgot to eat lunch.

This wasn’t the first time they’d said that. Sure. I can get you a plate and fork if you need it or...

They pulled out a packet of M&M’s and some potato chips.

Zhong didn’t even think before responding. You can’t eat that! It’s not food.

Ash narrowed their eyes at him and he pulled back. Had he messed something up? He hadn’t meant to be rude.

Are you saying this isn’t real food? They held up the two packets defiantly.

Um… well, they have a lot of empty calories, and…I just meant that I had some things ready for dinner. Or we could order something that you like?

Ash gave him that narrow stare for a little longer, and he cringed. Then Ash cracked up. I’m just messing with you. Please make me food.

It took a moment, then he started laughing and slapped them lightly on the shoulder. That was mean. Come to the kitchen with me.

They gave him a salute, like a soldier.

He rolled his eyes and walked off. He liked Ash’s teasing, though, now that he knew what it was. They’d totally had him for a minute.

Alright, I was going to make something with chicken and veggies for dinner. We could do either fajitas or a stir fry. What would you like?

Are you for real? I thought we would order pizza or something. I will eat anything you make for me.

Ash took a seat at the built-in island that separated the open-plan living room from the kitchen. Zhong’s apartment was small, so it served as a preparation space and eating table all in one. There were three swiveling stools with high backs along one side, set up to face the kitchen.

He started laying out food. Alright, I was in the mood for a stir fry. Can I get you some toast or something while I make dinner? Or fruit, maybe?

That’s it. I’m moving in. You can feed me all the time.

Zhong grinned as he started taking things out of the fridge. He liked being able to make his new friend happy so easily. This was going well.

There was just something about Ash that was… relaxing? No, he felt too excited about the prospect of spending time with them to just feel relaxed. Maybe comfortable? That was definitely part of it.

It was more like they just fit together. Which was weird for someone who he’d met in person exactly once and messaged on his phone for a week.

Of course, that could just be wishful thinking. It was just that Ash seemed like the perfect friend. They loved games and liked to cuddle. They were amusing and apparently wanted to spend time with him. That was pretty perfect as far as he was concerned.

Butter, jam, peanut butter, or Nutella?

All of them?

Zhong gave them a skeptical look. Not if you want to have dinner soon.